EP3107761B1 - Système d'avertisseur sonore - Google Patents

Système d'avertisseur sonore Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3107761B1
EP3107761B1 EP15713645.8A EP15713645A EP3107761B1 EP 3107761 B1 EP3107761 B1 EP 3107761B1 EP 15713645 A EP15713645 A EP 15713645A EP 3107761 B1 EP3107761 B1 EP 3107761B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
horn
steering wheel
airbag module
elements
contact
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15713645.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3107761A1 (fr
Inventor
Fernando José Eireos Garcia
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dalphi Metal Espana SA
Original Assignee
Dalphi Metal Espana SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dalphi Metal Espana SA filed Critical Dalphi Metal Espana SA
Publication of EP3107761A1 publication Critical patent/EP3107761A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3107761B1 publication Critical patent/EP3107761B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/203—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns
    • B60R21/2035—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns using modules containing inflator, bag and cover attachable to the steering wheel as a complete sub-unit
    • B60R21/2037—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns using modules containing inflator, bag and cover attachable to the steering wheel as a complete sub-unit the module or a major component thereof being yieldably mounted, e.g. for actuating the horn switch or for protecting the driver in a non-deployment situation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q5/00—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices
    • B60Q5/001—Switches therefor
    • B60Q5/003—Switches therefor mounted on the steering wheel

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a horn system for a vehicle.
  • Horn systems for vehicles are generally known in the art. They are used to produce a warning signal for road safety reasons.
  • the horn circuit is integrated together with an airbag module in the steering wheel of the automotive vehicle. Fixing arrangements for attaching the airbag module to a steering wheel are for example described in EP 2 213 523 A1 and EP 2 145 801 A1 .
  • Conventional horn circuits comprise at least two contact elements, which when electrically contact with each other produce a horn signal.
  • the horn circuit is usually arranged such that one contact element is fixed, while the other contact element is moveable so as to touch the fixed contact element. Moving the contact element and thereby touching the other contact element will close the horn circuit and an audible warning signal will be produced by means of an appropriate sound generator.
  • conventional horn circuits require a large space to accommodate the two contact elements and to provide a sufficient distance between them.
  • the space requirements of conventional horn circuits form a severe problem in light of the present trend of miniaturisation, especially in the automotive industry. This is particularly true, if not only the horn circuit but also an airbag module is to be integrated in the steering wheel of a vehicle.
  • a further horn system of the above kind is known, for example, from US 2006/0016613 A1 .
  • the present invention provides a horn circuit comprising the features of claims 1 to 3.
  • a Horn System for a vehicle comprising an airbag module having a plurality of hook elements for the attachment to a steering wheel or an attachment member for attaching the airbag module to the steering wheel, a plurality of conductive spring elements and an integrated horn circuit which comprises two contact elements , that are arranged adjacent to each other at a ring shaped carrier member and which is formed as a separate compact entity configured to be placed at the airbag module in such manner that a horn signal may be produced when each of at least two contact elements , gets in direct electrical contact with one of the plurality of conductive spring elements configured to act as contact closing members for electrically connecting the two contact elements , upon activating the horn of the vehicle and being configured to seat the steering wheel or the attachment member and are configured to fix the hook elements of the airbag module thereto.
  • a Horn System for a vehicle comprising a Steering wheel having a plurality of hook elements for the attachment of an airbag module or an attachment member for attaching the airbag module to the steering wheel, a plurality of conductive spring elements and an integrated horn circuit which comprises two contact elements , that are arranged adjacent to each other at a ring shaped carrier member and which is formed as a separate compact entity configured to be placed at the steering wheel in such manner that a horn signal may be produced when each of at least two contact elements , gets in direct electrical contact with one of the plurality of conductive spring elements configured to act as contact closing members for electrically connecting the two contact elements , upon activating the horn of the vehicle and being configured to seat at the airbag module or the attachment member and are configured to fix the hook elements of the steering wheel thereto.
  • a Horn System for a vehicle comprising an attachment member configured to be connected to an airbag module or to a steering wheel and having a plurality of hook elements for attaching steering wheel or the airbag module to the attachment member, a plurality of conductive spring elements and an integrated horn circuit which comprises two contact elements , that are arranged adjacent to each other at a ring shaped carrier member and which is formed as a separate compact entity configured to be placed at the attachment member in such manner that a horn signal may be produced when each of at least two contact elements , gets in direct electrical contact with one of a plurality of conductive spring elements configured to act as contact closing members for electrically connecting the two contact elements , upon activating the horn of the vehicle and being configured to seat at the airbag module or at the steering wheel and are configured to fix the hook elements of the attachment member thereto.
  • the structural complexity of the Arrangement of airbag module and steering wheel can be greatly reduced, and assembly of all components forming the airbag module and/or the steering wheel can be simplified,
  • the at least two contact elements are arranged adjacent to be situated substantially above each other in a horn activating direction d.
  • the at least two contact elements have a substantially identical shape, in particular a ring-shape, wherein the two substantially identical contact elements , are arranged in parallel to each other.
  • each of the two contact elements comprises a plurality of latches, the plurality of latches being arranged in pairs of latches, each pair of latches comprising one latch of each contact element, configured such that each latch of a pair of latches can directly contact a respective one of the plurality of conductive spring elements for electrically connecting the two contact elements , for the activation of a horn signal.
  • the horn circuit comprises a plurality of radial arms, each arm locating one latch of each of the at least two contact elements, the two latches of each radial arm being arranged adjacent to each other and to be situated to face one of the plurality of conductive spring elements in an operating position of the horn circuit.
  • the latches of the two contact elements are arranged in pairs in a distance from each other, wherein the distance between the latches is smaller than the length of a respective one of the plurality of conductive spring elements.
  • each of the plurality of conductive spring elements is located between the hook elements and at least a portion of the two contact elements , in a horn activating direction d.
  • the carrier member forms a housing by which the two contact elements , are at least partially surrounded and/ or which is adapted to be positioned in a bottom portion of the airbag module or on a surface of the steering wheel or the attachment member.
  • the horn circuit is adapted to be arranged between the airbag module and one of the attachment member and the steering wheel in the state of the airbag module being assembled to the steering wheel system.
  • the horn circuit is adapted to be attached to a bottom portion of the steering wheel's receiving opening for the airbag module facing the attachment member or the airbag module in an assembled state of the steering wheel system.
  • al least a portion of the steering wheel is adapted to be located between the airbag module and the attachment member.
  • the horn system serves for activating a horn of a vehicle, which is adapted to be integrated in an airbag module of the vehicle or in an attachment member for connecting the airbag module to the steering wheel or into the steering wheel.
  • the attachment member may form an integral part of the steering wheel or the airbag member or may be formed as a separate element, which is (releasably) connected to the steering wheel for connecting the airbag module to the steering wheel.
  • the attachment member may be situated on either the front or the rear side of the steering wheel.
  • the attachment member may hold a plurality of conductive spring elements or a plurality of hook elements.
  • the horn circuit comprises at least two contact elements, wherein a horn signal is produced when the at least two contact elements are (indirectly) in electrical contact with each other.
  • the horn circuit which comprises the the at least two contact elements are adapted to electrically connect each other by means of at least one conductive spring element for fixing an airbag module to a steering wheel.
  • the invention provides a horn circuit for activating a horn of a vehicle, which is adapted to be attached to one of: an airbag module for a vehicle, an attachment member for connecting the airbag module to a steering wheel, and the steering wheel, the horn circuit comprising at least two contact elements, wherein a horn signal is produced when the at least two contact elements get in direct or indirect electrical contact; therein the at least two contact elements are arranged adjacent to each other and form a compact entity.
  • the structural complexity of the airbag module and the steering wheel can be greatly reduced, and assembly of all components forming the airbag module and the steering wheel can be simplified.
  • the same horn circuit may be utilized in different designs of airbag modules and the steering wheels, being adapted specifically to the varying needs of different vehicles, without need of adaptation of the horn circuit, such that a more economical manufacturing is achieved.
  • the at least two contact elements are arranged adjacent to one another and/ or situated substantially above each other in a horn activating direction.
  • they are bound to one another by a cage formed from synthetic material.
  • the cage has a substantially similar shape, in particular a ring-shape, as the contact elements do.
  • the horn circuit comprises at least one conductive spring element which is configured to fix the airbag module to a steering wheel and to act as a contact closing member for electrically connecting the two contact elements upon activating the horn of a vehicle.
  • An important advantage of the present invention is that the horn circuit fits into available unused room of the steering wheel, which is usually present between an airbag module and an attachment member for connecting the airbag module to a steering wheel.
  • the horn circuit as part of the horn system according to the present invention can therefore easily be integrated in an existing steering wheel airbag module, without requiring additional space.
  • An electrical connection between the at least two contact elements of the horn circuit can be realised by a conductive spring element, which is present in the vehicle for attaching the airbag module to the steering wheel.
  • existing elements may be used for realising an electrical connection between the at least two contact elements.
  • the horn circuit is activated by moving the complete horn circuit unit relative to an attachment member of a vehicle in a steering wheel system.
  • the electrical connection between the at least two contact elements of the horn circuit is not performed by moving the two contact elements relative to each other but by either moving the two contact elements simultaneously relative to a third part, or by moving a third part (conductive spring element) relative to the two fixed contact elements.
  • the present invention does not only provide for a horn circuit which is easy to implement and less expensive to manufacture, but in addition to a horn circuit which can be integrated in existing space without the need for providing an extra space.
  • the electrical connection between the two contact elements is established by means of an existing means for connecting the airbag module to the steering wheel, namely by means of the spring element, no additional device or element is required for closing the horn circuit.
  • the at least two contact elements are arranged adjacent to each other and form a compact entity. This is possible because the at least two contact elements do not require a relative movement to each other. Furthermore, the two contact elements are substantially flat and electrically isolated from each other. Owing to this configuration, the electrical contact between the two contact elements will only establish, if the at least two contact elements are electrically connected to each other by touching the at least one conductive spring element.
  • the at least two contact elements are formed as wires or plates. Owing to this substantially flat configuration, the horn circuit can easily be integrated in existing space of the airbag module or an attachment member for connecting the airbag module to a steering wheel. More specifically, each of the at least two contact elements may substantially have an identical form, which is preferably ring-shaped, wherein the two substantially identical (ring-)shaped contact elements are arranged in parallel to each other. Owing to this parallel and preferably neighbouring configuration of the two contact elements, the two contact elements can be arranged in a space saving manner.
  • the isolative material is at least partially arranged between the two contact elements and forms an intermediate layer electrically separating the two elements.
  • each of the two contact elements preferably comprises at least one latch.
  • the latches of the at least two contact elements may be arranged pairwise in a (small) distance from each other. More specifically, the distance between the latches should be smaller than the length of the conductive spring element, such that an electrical connection can be established between the two contact elements when touching the conductive spring element.
  • the at least two contact elements may at least partially be surrounded by a housing.
  • the housing is adapted to be positioned in a bottom portion of an airbag module and to be attached thereto.
  • the housing may be adapted to be positioned in an upper portion of an attachment member for connecting the airbag module to the steering wheel.
  • the present invention also provides an airbag module for the attachment to a steering wheel or an attachment member for attaching the airbag module to the steering wheel, wherein the airbag module further comprises an integrated horn circuit which is attachable to the to the airbag module and adapted to be activated by at least one conductive spring element, located at one of: the airbag module, the steering wheel, and the attachment member, the horn circuit being configured according to at least one of embodiments described above.
  • the present invention also provides a steering wheel system comprising at least one conductive spring element for the attachment of an airbag module and/or an attachment member for attaching the airbag module to the steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel system further comprises an integrated horn circuit which is attachable to the to the steering wheel and adapted to be activated by the at least one conductive spring element, the horn circuit being configured according to at least one of the embodiments described above.
  • the horn circuit is arranged between the airbag module and the attachment member in the assembled state of the steering wheel system.
  • the horn circuit may be attached to a bottom portion of the airbag module facing the attachment member in an assembled state of the steering wheel system.
  • the horn circuit may also be attached to an upper portion of the attachment member facing the airbag module in an assembled state of the steering wheel system.
  • the horn circuit is attached to a bottom portion of the steering wheel's receiving opening for the airbag module facing the attachment member or the airbag module in an assembled state of the steering wheel system.
  • the at least one conductive spring element may be attached to the airbag module or alternatively to the attachment member.
  • the at least one conductive spring element is preferably adapted to cooperate with a hook element, which is connected to the respective other part of the airbag module or the attachment member. That is, if the conductive spring element is attached to the airbag module, the hook element is attached to the attachment member and if the conductive spring element is attached to the attachment member, the hook element is associated with the airbag module.
  • the present invention could also provide for a vehicle, in particular an automotive vehicle, which would comprise a horn system, according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a horn system 1 according to the present invention.
  • the horn system or steering wheel system 1 comprises an airbag module 3 and an attachment member 5 for connecting the airbag module to a steering wheel (not illustrated, but according to one embodiment, the reference numeral 5 may also be interpreted to designate a portion of the skeleton of a steering wheel).
  • the attachment member 5 is in the present example formed as a separate element, which is connectable to a steering wheel.
  • the attachment member 5 may form an integral part of the steering wheel, for example of the metal skeleton, which is a more compact solution.
  • the attachment member 5 comprises two parallel bridges 7 and 7' for holding a releasable spring element 9, which extends through the bridges 7 and 7'.
  • the spring element 9 serves for retaining a hook element 11, which can best be seen in Fig. 7 .
  • the hook element 11 is attached to a bottom portion 13 of the airbag module 3 at a radially outer portion thereof, wherein the bottom portion 13 of the airbag module 3 faces the attachment member 5 in the assembled state of the steering wheel system 1.
  • the hook element 11 may be a snap-fitting or clip-in-hook, which must be engaged with the spring element 9 in order to fix the airbag module to a steering wheel.
  • a horn circuit 15 is arranged at the lower portion 13 of the airbag module 3.
  • the horn circuit 15 comprises a conductive material and comprises a first contact element 17 and a second contact element 19.
  • the first and second contact elements 17 and 19 are substantially formed as flat and ring-shaped plates, which are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other.
  • an isolative material is provided between the first and second contact elements 17 and 19.
  • Each of the first and second contact elements 17 and 19 comprises in the present embodiment three latches 21a-21c and 23a-23c, respectively, for contacting a respective spring element 9, which is made from a conductive material.
  • the first and second contact elements 17 and 19 have a substantially identical size and shape and are slightly offset to each other in a circumferential direction such that a latch 21a-21c of the first contact element 17 and a latch 23a-23c of a second contact element are arranged pairwise and adjacent to each other.
  • the distance between two latches forming a pair should be such that there is no electrical contact between them or the first and second contact elements and such that the distance is smaller than the length I of a conductive spring element 9.
  • each pair of latches 21a/23a, 21b/23b and 21c/23c is associated with a dedicated conductive spring element 9. That is, the horn system or steering wheel system 1 according to claim 1 comprises three spring elements 9, which have a double function. Firstly, they fix the airbag module 3 to the steering wheel via the attachment member 5 and secondly, they are used for providing an electrical connection between the first and second contact elements 17 and 19, when the horn circuit is activated manually by pressing the airbag module 3 in a downward direction d towards the attachment member 5.
  • the Horn circuit may comprise connection elements 25 and 27 to connect the horn circuit to electric cables coming from the vehicle side.
  • Further resilient distance elements 12a-c are provided between the airbag module 3 and the steering wheel (or the adapter plate 5) for urging or biasing the airbag module 3 in the resting position opposite to the downward direction d and to separate elements 21,23 and 9 when horn activation is not required.
  • the horn circuit 15 is arranged at the bottom portions 13 of the airbag module 3 and the latches 21, 23 are aligned with the spring elements 9.
  • the circumferential position of the latches substantially corresponds to the circumferential position of the spring elements and the hook elements.
  • Figs. 3 to 5 are perspective views of a circular shaped attachment member 5, which in the present case is formed as a separate part of the steering wheel.
  • Fig. 4 shows the substantially U-shaped spring elements, which have two substantially parallel arms 33 and 33' for engaging the hook element 11.
  • the spring element 9 is at least partially made from a conductive material and the arms 33, 33' are preferably resilient such that a hook element 11 (not illustrated) can be retained in an opening 15, wherein the opening 15 is arranged between and below the bridges 7, 7' in the attachment member 5 (see Fig. 3 and 5 ).
  • Fig. 6 is a bottom view of a horn system or steering wheel system 1 according to the present invention, wherein the attachment member 5 is omitted for reasons of clarity except for the spring element 9.
  • the horn circuit 15 is concentrically arranged on the bottom portion 13 of the airbag module 3, which has a round cross-sectional shape.
  • the pairs of latches attached to the first and second contact elements 17 and 19 are symmetrically arranged such that the position of the latches coincides with the position of the spring elements 9 and the hook elements 11 in the assembled state of the steering wheel system 1.
  • Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the steering wheel system 1. As can be seen, the hook element 11 is engaged by the spring element 9 and thereby fixes the airbag module 3 to the attachment member 5 (not illustrated). Fig. 7 further shows that in the normal, i.e. non-activated state of the horn circuit 15, the latches 21a-21c and 23a-23c are provided in a distance x from the upper surface of the spring elements 9. In the event that a compressive force is applied on the airbag module 3 in the downward direction d, the horn circuit 15 and thereby the latches 21, 23 are moved in the direction towards the spring element 9. During movement of the horn circuit 15, i.e.
  • the latches 21 and 23 of the first and second contact elements 17 and 19 are arranged in a same plane or in other words on a same height level in the downward direction d such that the pairwise arranged latches contact the associated spring element 9 at the same time and thus establishing an electrical connection between the first and second contact elements 17 and 19.
  • the horn circuit 15 is closed and a horn signal is produced in order to warn pedestrians or other vehicle drivers.
  • the horn circuit 15 and thus the first and second contact elements 17 and 19 are preferably arranged in a housing 29, which at least partially surrounds the contact element 17, 19.
  • the housing 29 has preferably a similar shape than the first and second contact elements 17, 19 and is constructed such that the latches are arranged in radially extending hollow arms 31a-31c.
  • the ring-shaped main body of the contact element 17, 19 is completely embedded in the housing 29, whereas electrical connection endings 25, 27 as well as the latches 21, 23 of the contact element 17, 19 are exposed and thus are not fully surrounded by the housing 29, such that they can get in touching contact with the spring elements 9 and the attachment member 5, respectively.
  • the horn circuit 15 may also be attached to the attachment member 5. This is particularly the case, if the hook members 11 are located on the attachment member 5 and the bridges 7, 7', the openings 35 and the spring elements 9 are attached to the airbag module 3. In this case, the horn circuit unit 15 will be fixedly installed, while the spring elements 9 will move together with the airbag module 3 in order to touch the latches 21, 23 and to thereby close the horn circuit.
  • the present invention is not restricted to a horn circuit 15, which is attached to the airbag module 3. Rather, the horn circuit 15 may be alternatively arranged on the attachment member 5, which may form an integral or a separate part of the steering wheel.
  • the size and shape of the horn circuit 15 may vary depending on the available space between the airbag module and the attachment member, and depending on the shape and size of the airbag module and the attachment member, respectively. Furthermore, different sizes and shapes of the spring element may necessitate an appropriate modification of the horn circuit design.
  • the present invention provides for an advantageous horn system comprising a space saving horn circuit, which does not need any extra space or additional devices, but which can easily be placed in existing space between the airbag module 3 and the attachment member 5 and which can be activated by existing elements of the steering wheel unit.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Système d'avertisseur sonore (1) pour un véhicule comprenant un module airbag (3), une pluralité d'éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) et un circuit d'avertisseur sonore intégré (15) qui comprend deux éléments de contact (17, 19) qui sont disposés à côté l'un de l'autre au niveau d'un élément porteur en forme d'anneau (29) et qui est formé comme une entité compacte distincte configurée pour être placé sur le module airbag (3) de telle sorte qu'un signal d'avertissement sonore puisse être produit lorsque chacun d'au moins deux éléments de contact (17, 19) entre en contact électrique direct avec l'un de la pluralité d'éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) configurés pour agir comme des éléments de fermeture de contact pour connecter électriquement les deux éléments de contact (17, 19) lors de l'activation de l'avertisseur sonore du véhicule,
    caractérisé en ce que le module airbag (3) a une pluralité d'éléments crochets (11) pour la fixation à un volant ou un élément de fixation (5) pour fixer le module airbag (3) au volant, pour lequel les éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) sont configurés pour s'appuyer sur le volant ou sur l'élément de fixation (5) et sont configurés pour y fixer les éléments crochets (11) du module airbag (3).
  2. Système d'avertisseur sonore (1) pour un véhicule comprenant un volant, une pluralité d'éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) et un circuit d'avertisseur sonore intégré (15) qui comprend deux éléments de contact (17, 19) qui sont disposés à côté l'un de l'autre au niveau d'un élément porteur en forme d'anneau (29) et qui est formé comme une entité compacte distincte configurée pour être placé sur le volant de telle manière qu'un signal d'avertissement sonore puisse être produit lorsque chacun d'au moins deux éléments de contact (17, 19) entre en contact électrique direct avec l'un de la pluralité d'éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) configurés pour agir comme des éléments de fermeture de contact pour connecter électriquement les deux éléments de contact (17, 19) lors de l'activation de l'avertisseur du véhicule,
    caractérisé en ce que le volant comporte une pluralité d'éléments crochets (11) pour la fixation d'un module airbag ou d'un élément de fixation (5) pour fixer le module airbag (3) au volant pour lequel les éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) sont configurés pour s'appuyer sur le module airbag ou sur l'élément de fixation (5) et sont configurés pour y fixer les éléments crochets (11) du volant.
  3. Système d'avertisseur sonore (1) pour un véhicule comprenant un élément de fixation (5) configuré pour être connecté à un module airbag (3) ou à un volant, une pluralité d'éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) et un circuit d'avertisseur sonore intégré (15) qui comprend deux éléments de contact (17, 19) qui sont disposés adjacents l'un à l'autre au niveau d'un élément porteur en forme d'anneau (29) et qui est formé comme une entité compacte distincte configurée pour être placée au niveau de l'élément de fixation (5) de telle sorte qu'un signal d'avertissement sonore puisse être produit lorsque chacun d'au moins deux éléments de contact (17, 19) entre en contact électrique direct avec l'un de la pluralité d'éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) configurés pour agir comme des éléments de fermeture de contact pour connecter électriquement les deux contacts des éléments (17, 19) lors de l'activation de l'avertisseur sonore du véhicule,
    caractérisé en ce que l'élément de fixation (5) possède une pluralité d'éléments crochets (11) pour fixer le volant ou le module airbag (3) à l'élément de fixation (5), pour lequel les éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) sont configurés pour s'appuyer sur le module airbag (3) sur le volant et sont configurés pour y fixer les éléments crochets (11) de l'élément de fixation (5).
  4. Système d'avertisseur sonore selon l'une des revendications précédentes,
    caractérisé en ce que
    les au moins deux éléments de contact (17, 19) sont disposés de manière adjacente pour être situés sensiblement au-dessus l'un de l'autre dans une direction d'activation de l'avertisseur sonore (d).
  5. Système d'avertisseur sonore selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    caractérisé en ce que
    les au moins deux éléments de contact (17, 19) ont une forme sensiblement identique, en particulier en forme d'anneau, les deux éléments de contact sensiblement identiques (17, 19) étant disposés parallèlement l'un à l'autre.
  6. Système d'avertisseur sonore selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    caractérisé en ce que
    chacun des deux éléments de contact (17, 19) comprend une pluralité de verrous (21a-c, 23a-c), la pluralité de verrous étant disposés en paires de verrous, chaque paire de verrous (21a-23a; 21b-23b; 21c-23c) comprenant un verrou de chaque élément de contact (17, 19) configuré de sorte que chaque verrou d'une paire de verrous puisse entrer en contact directement avec l'un respectif de la pluralité d'éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) pour connecter électriquement les deux éléments de contact (17, 19) pour l'activation d'un signal d'avertissement sonore.
  7. Système d'avertisseur sonore selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    caractérisé en ce que
    le circuit d'avertisseur sonore comprend une pluralité de bras radiaux (31), chaque bras (31a-c) positionnant un verrou (21a-c, 23a-c) de chacun des au moins deux éléments de contact (17, 19), les deux verrous (21a-c, 23a-c) de chaque bras radial (31) étant agencés l'un à côté de l'autre et devant être situés pour faire face à l'un de la pluralité d'éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) dans une position de fonctionnement du circuit d'avertisseur sonore.
  8. Système d'avertisseur sonore selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, notamment selon la revendication 6 ou 7,
    caractérisé en ce que
    les verrous (21a-c, 23a-c) des deux éléments de contact (17, 19) sont disposés deux à deux à une distance l'un de l'autre, pour lequel la distance entre les verrous est inférieure à la longueur de l'un respectif de la pluralité des éléments ressorts conducteurs (9).
  9. Système d'avertisseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    caractérisé en ce que
    dans une position de fonctionnement du circuit d'avertisseur sonore, chacun de la pluralité d'éléments ressorts conducteurs (9) est situé entre les éléments crochets (11) et au moins une partie des deux éléments de contact (17, 19) dans une direction d'activation d'avertisseur sonore (d).
  10. Système d'avertisseur sonore selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    caractérisé en ce que
    l'élément porteur (29) forme un logement par lequel les deux éléments de contact (17, 19) sont au moins partiellement entourés et/ou qui est adapté pour être positionné dans une partie inférieure (13) du module airbag (3) ou sur une surface du volant ou sur l'élément de fixation (5).
  11. Système d'avertisseur sonore selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    caractérisé en ce que
    le circuit d'avertisseur sonore (15) est adapté pour être disposé entre le module airbag (3) et l'un des éléments de fixation (5) et le volant dans un état où le module airbag (3) est assemblé au système de volant.
  12. Système d'avertisseur sonore selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    caractérisé en ce que
    le circuit d'avertisseur sonore (15) est adapté pour être fixé à une partie inférieure (13) de l'ouverture du volant recevant le module airbag (3) faisant face à l'élément de fixation (5) ou au module airbag (3) dans un état assemblé de le système de volant.
  13. Système d'avertisseur sonore selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    caractérisé en ce que
    au moins une partie du volant est adaptée pour être située entre le module airbag (3) et l'élément de fixation (5).
EP15713645.8A 2014-02-20 2015-02-20 Système d'avertisseur sonore Active EP3107761B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14000604.0A EP2910425B1 (fr) 2014-02-20 2014-02-20 Circuit d'avertisseur sonore
PCT/EP2015/000392 WO2015124314A1 (fr) 2014-02-20 2015-02-20 Circuit d'avertisseur sonore

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3107761A1 EP3107761A1 (fr) 2016-12-28
EP3107761B1 true EP3107761B1 (fr) 2020-08-05

Family

ID=50190140

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14000604.0A Active EP2910425B1 (fr) 2014-02-20 2014-02-20 Circuit d'avertisseur sonore
EP15713645.8A Active EP3107761B1 (fr) 2014-02-20 2015-02-20 Système d'avertisseur sonore

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14000604.0A Active EP2910425B1 (fr) 2014-02-20 2014-02-20 Circuit d'avertisseur sonore

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US10099641B2 (fr)
EP (2) EP2910425B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP6440722B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN106029444B (fr)
WO (1) WO2015124314A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015005281A1 (de) * 2015-04-24 2016-10-27 Autoliv Development Ab Lenkradeinheit für ein Kraftfahrzeug
DE102017107764A1 (de) 2017-04-11 2018-10-11 Trw Automotive Safety Systems Gmbh Gassackmodul, lenkrad und verfahren zum erzeugen eines hupsignals
CN111572447A (zh) * 2019-02-19 2020-08-25 奥托立夫开发公司 喇叭系统
US11383665B2 (en) * 2019-12-10 2022-07-12 Autoliv Asp, Inc. Driver airbag module coupling assemblies

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6075935U (ja) * 1983-10-31 1985-05-28 豊田合成株式会社 ホ−ンスイツチ
DE19927032A1 (de) * 1999-06-04 2000-12-14 Petri Ag Anordnung zur Verrastung eines Airbagmoduls mit einem Lenkrad
DE20017527U1 (de) * 2000-10-12 2001-02-22 Trw Automotive Safety Sys Gmbh Fahrzeuglenkrad
US6860509B2 (en) * 2002-02-08 2005-03-01 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Switch assembly for an airbag module attachment
DE20213908U1 (de) * 2002-09-09 2003-01-30 Trw Automotive Safety Sys Gmbh Airbagmodul sowie Baugruppe aus einem Lenkrad und einem Airbagmodul
US6942247B2 (en) * 2003-03-12 2005-09-13 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Driver airbag formed contact spring
US7126073B2 (en) * 2004-07-21 2006-10-24 Fci Usa, Inc. Intermittent connection device
US7621560B2 (en) * 2005-02-07 2009-11-24 Key Safety Systems, Inc Horn switch
JP4797584B2 (ja) * 2005-03-16 2011-10-19 タカタ株式会社 エアバッグ装置付きステアリングホイール
KR101420689B1 (ko) * 2008-06-25 2014-07-17 아우토리브 디벨롭먼트 아베 차량용 스티어링 휠
EP2145801B1 (fr) 2008-07-18 2011-01-12 Dalphi Metal España, S.A. Dispositif de fixation d'un module d'airbag dans un véhicule à moteur
US8256797B2 (en) * 2008-09-16 2012-09-04 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Steering wheel with airbag device and method for assembling the same
JP2010116060A (ja) * 2008-11-13 2010-05-27 Takata Corp 運転席用エアバッグ装置の取付構造及びステアリングホイール
ES2404331T3 (es) 2009-01-28 2013-05-27 Dalphi Metal España, S.A. Dispositivo de fijación con elementos autocentradores para fijar un módulo de airbag a un vehículo automotor
JP5206756B2 (ja) * 2010-09-30 2013-06-12 豊田合成株式会社 エアバッグ装置付きステアリングホイール
EP2907700B1 (fr) * 2014-02-17 2021-07-21 Dalphi Metal España, S.A. Système d'avertisseur

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2910425A1 (fr) 2015-08-26
US10099641B2 (en) 2018-10-16
US20170174166A1 (en) 2017-06-22
EP3107761A1 (fr) 2016-12-28
JP6440722B2 (ja) 2018-12-19
WO2015124314A1 (fr) 2015-08-27
CN106029444B (zh) 2019-05-07
CN106029444A (zh) 2016-10-12
JP2017506181A (ja) 2017-03-02
EP2910425B1 (fr) 2020-08-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3107761B1 (fr) Système d'avertisseur sonore
US20030151237A1 (en) Switch assembly for an airbag module attachment
EP2907700B1 (fr) Système d'avertisseur
KR102610029B1 (ko) 스티어링 휠
JP4967029B2 (ja) 安全装置および安全装置の組み立て方法
JP2008509045A (ja) 自動車のステアリングホイールに装着される運転者エアバッグモジュール用ガス発生器支持体
US11529921B2 (en) Steering wheel
US20130154242A1 (en) Attachment structure for driver seat airbag device
US20190344744A1 (en) Air bag module
CN110116749B (zh) 用于机动车的方向盘总成及其装配方法和结构组件
CN114845926A (zh) 车辆的方向盘装置
CN111003053B (zh) 驾驶员气囊模块和方向盘的组件
EP1353826B1 (fr) Module de coussin gonflable avec contacteur d'avertisseur sonore
US7316414B2 (en) Housing for an airbag module
JP2020026263A (ja) ステアリングホイールのダンパ機構及び車両用ステアリングホイール装置
CN112424051B (zh) 用于方向盘总成的集成电子控制单元
US8998251B2 (en) Horn switch device for steering wheel
US7671288B2 (en) Switch apparatus for horn device of vehicle
US11130462B2 (en) Airbag module, steering wheel and method for connecting an airbag module to a steering wheel
US20230406252A1 (en) Steering wheel and method of manufacturing same
CN210212512U (zh) 用于机动车的方向盘总成和用于方向盘总成的结构组件
CN111572447A (zh) 喇叭系统
CN114502427A (zh) 车辆方向盘的声音警示装置
WO2024061791A1 (fr) Volant de direction avec agencement de klaxon
KR20040097645A (ko) 자동차용 경음기 구조

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20160919

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200319

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1298282

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602015056874

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200805

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1298282

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200805

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201105

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201106

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201105

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201207

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201205

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602015056874

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20210220

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210228

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210220

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210220

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20150220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230528

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200805

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240229

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240103

Year of fee payment: 10